Instruments

Heavenly Harps of Hawaii offers two different styles of harp, plus the unique “glass harp” to fulfill your musical needs.

Symphonic Harp

I play most frequently on the gold symphonic pedal harp, as pictured on our Home Page. Not only is this instrument beautiful and graceful in appearance, but it has a full-bodied tone that is easy to hear in outdoor settings or large rooms by well over a hundred people–without amplification! The pedals allow me to play in more keys and therefore, a wider variety of repertoire is available on this harp. The pedals also allow me to play the glissando–the Heavenly sound often associated with professional harp music, as you might hear in a movie or other recorded harp music.

Listen to the glissando in the opening of this example of harp, cello, and violin:

From This Moment, Trio by Harp, Violin, & Cello

Prelude Harp

The standard Prelude lever harp, about two-thirds the size of the larger harp, is a natural wood beauty. It is similar to a Celtic harp in its tone and in the variety of music one can play on it. Most importantly, I am the only one offering a concert-tension lever harp on Maui. “Concert tension” gives a harp a fuller, more easily heard sound, enabling it to project further distances than a standard Celtic harp. This harp weighs less than the pedal harp and is thus more easily ported to secluded spots, etc. It is perfect for intimate ceremonies and events. Be aware that a lever style harp is more limited in the repertoire one can provide with integrity and it is not capable of including the glissando mentioned above.

Glass Harp

Glass Harp (Glass Armonica) on Maui

I offer the only Glass Harp in Hawaii. Invented by Benjamin Franklin and called the Glass Armonica, this instrument was popular for many years before fading into near-obscurity until quite recently. It has been said that if the Harp is the instrument of the Angels, the Glass Armonica is the voice of the Angels. The sound seems to come from everywhere and is transcendently ethereal. The bowls from which the sound is produced are hand-blown, one hundred percent quartz crystal. My instrument has 3 octaves of bowls and a range of lovely repertoire is possible on it. Since the Glass Armonica is fragile and requires electricity, it must be used in a safe place with easy access to electricity. Please click here to experience the unique and relaxing sound of the Glass Armonica.

In addition…

We frequently organize a variety of vocal and instrumental ensembles. All sorts of ensembles are available here on the island, and many players are members of the Maui Pops Orchestra; singers are members of the Maui Choral Arts Association. Two favorite ensembles consist of harp, cello, and violin; or harp, flute, violin, and cello. Another wonderful combination is string quartet plus harp, making a fabulous quintet of full-bodied sound. Please visit the Ensembles page for a more thorough discussion of what Heavenly Harps can arrange and provide for you.